Rambling Man's Reviews

[photo credit: Javier Bragado] Edited by Anselm Anderson Spain’s melodic death metal act BLOODHUNTER returns with their brand-new video single “ The Devil’s Own ”. Following their recent signing with ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music , the band now presents the first glimpse into what listeners can expect from them. Formed in   Galicia , BLOODHUNTER have built a strong following within the international extreme metal scene through uncompromising songwriting, intense live performances and a clear artistic vision. Fronted by t Diva Satanica , the band blends razor-sharp riffing, massive grooves and sweeping melodies with a fierce vocal attack. “The Devil’s Own” showcases BLOODHUNTER's darker, more personal and more daring side. They are pushing beyond familiar territory with this track, which blends oppressive heaviness with haunting melodic lines. The accompanying video mirrors the song’s inner conflict and darkness. Listen: https://bloodhunter.rpm.link/devils...

Photo Credit: Jenny Lund Edited by Anselm Anderson Swedish rock’n’roll powerhouse THUNDERMOTHER  has announced their first live album, Live’n’Alive . Their first album, released in collaboration with Napalm Records, is available digitally on April 17, 2026. Founded in 2009 by guitarist Filippa Nässil , the band is recognised for their electrifying rock anthems and relentless touring, which includes supporting the legendary Scorpions both in North America and beyond. Europe, playing the KISS Kruise and performing regularly at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air . In 2025, THUNDERMOTHER released their highly acclaimed sixth album Dirty & Divine, which reached the top 2 on the Official German Rock/Metal Charts , following that first release with the new lineup consisting of Filippa Nässil, vocalist Linnéa Vikström Egg , returning bass player Majsan Lindberg , and drummer Joan Massing . During their European headline tour , Live’n’Alive was recorded. This substa...

  Art coverwork courtesy of Zbigniew Bielak, Review by Anselm Anderson:  German thrash metal titans Kreator return with their strongest release to date. Their 16th album, " Krushers of the World ," showcases a more experimental side of the band, blending elements of thrash, death metal , and traditional heavy metal . The album features songs inspired by famous horror films . The title reflects the band’s hard work and dedication, supported by a growing fanbase that began over forty years ago with their 1985 album, * Endless Pain * . Since then, the band has established itself as one of Germany's most prominent exports, producing classic albums such as * Coma of Souls * (1990), * Out of the Dark... Into the Light * (1988), and * Pleasure to Kill * . The quartet aims to build on their success in 2025 with the release of "Krushers of the World," which will be supported by a tour across Europe and the UK. Last year, lead vocalist and guitarist Mille Petrozza pu...

  Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man seized the opportunity to speak with OOB Records and Friendly Folk Records founder Kathy Keller about her tenth anniversary, marking the creation of the ventures, which celebrate the best in folk and prog music from unsigned bands. I talked to her about the companies, their impacts, how she got started, and what it's like to spend ten years doing what she loves. Congratulations on your tenth anniversary with OOB Records and Friendly Folk Records. What are your thoughts on achieving this milestone at this stage in your journey?    Well, hitting the 10-year mark has been surprisingly emotional, filled with nostalgia and “what if” moments. I began with a passion for music as a journalist and by running My Music Matters Management and booking company, along with hosting Prog Core Radio shows. The pivotal moment came in 2017 when I was getting a bit too busy and had to choose between Prog and Folk while balancing a ...

Edited by Anselm Anderson Finland’s  Rising Nu-Metal stars LOST SOCIETY have announced their brand-new album Hell Is A State Of Mind , set for release on March 6th, 2026 , via Nuclear Blast Records . Four years after the critically acclaimed If the Sky Came Down , the band returns with their most unapologetic album to date For vocalist and guitarist Samy Elbanna , guitarist Arttu Lesonen , bassist Mirko Lehtinen , and drummer Tapani Fagerström , Hell Is A State Of Mind represents a bold step into the metallic territory they were always destined to claim. The music is unrestrained, unmistakable, and unapologetically their own. Reuniting with their trusted collaborator Joonas Parkkonen , who serves as producer, co-writer, and mixing engineer, the album took a decisive turn when the track " Blood Diamond " reshaped their creative direction. What started as a simple melody evolved into a cinematic, string-driven masterpiece. The album’s first official single, "Blood ...

Photo Credit: Chris Griffiths of Riff Photos Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson Good evening, Ross. Congratulations on your latest release, The Blood and the Blues. How has the reception been so far? Ross – Thank you kindly. It’s been good so far. I feel like my music is slow-burning. It may take time to resonate with the right audiences, but when it does, it’s potent. It sits in an in-between place between Blues audiences and fans of darker types of music. The lyrical content can be heavy, uncomfortable at times. It’s art. This makes it slightly niche, I guess. It’s not for everyone, and I am at peace with that. People have come back to my shows, bought the album, and I’m seeing audiences build up all over the UK, so clearly something is working. The album was released in November, providing listeners with a few months to engage with it. Could you elaborate on how the album will connect with your forthcoming UK tour? Ross – The overarching motif of my whole creative process at ...

  Written by Anselm Anderson Today, Alter Bridge releases their eighth studio album . The self-titled release features twelve tracks of their most deeply personal and heaviest material since 2007's Blackbird album. "Alter Bridge" follows up 2022's critically Acclaimed Pawn and Kings , and is once again produced by Michael 'Elvis' Baskette  at his legendary 5150 studios in Los Angeles . He consistently brings out the best in the band with his keen ear for their nuances. This is true for Alter Bridge. Baskette emphasises the band's strengths as writers and musicians, with the group aiming for a harder rock sound. They express more meaning and emotion compared to their previous albums. The songs feel darker, featuring a dark sound with more emphasis on solos and memorable riffs. In this release, guitarist Mark Tremonti takes centre stage with dual vocals on two tracks: ' Trust in Me ' and ' Tested and Able .' His quiet, melodic vocals ble...